Hemlock and the Dead God's Legacy

The Maker's Fire #2

by B. Throwsnaill

Hemlock realizes that the life of a leader is more complex and tiresome than she anticipated. Feeling burdened by her many responsibilities, she yearns for the freedom of adventure. When Tored arrives from the Witch Crags with information about the likely location of another powerful Wand, she seizes the opportunity to embark on a new quest.

Before she leaves, she entrusts a secret book into the possession of Merit, a mechanical gnome who is developing an affinity for history and lore. Merit begins to uncover an ancient narrative in those dusty pages--and he soon realizes it's the tale of the creation of the Wizard Tower itself!

Meanwhile Hemlock and Tored begin what they expect will be a simple quest to a mysterious vale nestled deep in the Witch Crags. But the adventure has several surprises in store for them...

Will Hemlock understand her ever evolving role amidst rapidly changing circumstances? And can she unite the City in time to resist the menace of the legacy of a dead God?

Genres: Fantasy

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2012

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given 5 star because it is a major improvement in writing quality than Book 1. That is not to say that Book 1 isn't well written, but book 2 flows so much better, and shows an attention to detail that is a testimony to the skill of its author. Many passages were so vivid that they left this reader in awe and feeling inadequate as a writer. My only quibbles with Hemlock and the Dead God's Legacy are that a) it was too short, and b) a few times I felt as if too much exposition was taking place, and not enough showing I.e, ACTION :) . I only noticed a couple of minor formatting or grammatical errors, but definitely not too many to detract from the story.
Good stuff Brian! When is book 3 due? :)

[Ray Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good follow up to the original book in this series. The character development continues as more of their background and abilities are brought to light.

The conflict between magics and law and common man continue to be a center point to the story line and does not falter in keeping the interest level high. The fact that there is two laws of magic comes into play and you are faced with deciding as you read which is being brought into play and how it will interact and what the results will be. The author takes some unexpected twists and turns which I found to be enjoyable and which kept me guessing at times.

I highly recommend this book for all ages and especially for those that have an interest in magic. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Ruby Ridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Hemlock and Merit but had to drop a star here as nothing much really happens - just setting the scene for the finale. Touch of second book syndrome?
Still I really love the series and can't wait to start on the third and presumably final book in the series.
Highly recommend the series. Love Hemlock - upset me and I wipe out your tribe - hope she never teams up with Nysta!

[Diane Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story continues on

The story of Hemlock continues on with new challenges and adventures and self evaluation. Good to see the story go forward.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not read the first book, and usually that's not a huge problem because authors sort of help you out by over-explaining a little for those joining in a little late.

But this book doesn't have a lot of descriptions of anything in it, the example that comes to mind, is they were fighting some behemoth that's described as having "an animalistic face" which leaves what kind of animal up to the reader I guess? But a lot of descriptions were sort of hazy that like that, in regards to things they did, abilities they had, or where they were.

Hemlock herself, doesn't have much of a personality....she's just an infallible fighting machine really. Beyond a possible lost love, she doesn't have many weaknesses, things go a little bit too easy for her. Even in the end when she's unlocking a secret passage, it all comes incredibly easy for her, she just knew where to go and what to do. Makes for quick reading, but it does not keep you guessing what is going to happen next.

The most interesting character ended up being Merit the little robotic, android like man. He actually had the most personality and the best lines of them all.

Also....in writing, one thing that bothers me, that I doubt bothers most is when places are not set on earth, and the characters use the word OK/Okay/O.K because it's earth slang, and there seemed to be a lot of "ok" usage in this book.

[Jeffrey Poole]

Realized I didn't finish my review. Sorry B! Rereading so I get it right!

[Paul Devall · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in all a good read. still can't like wonder Hemlock but the story keeps on going...